Pierre Poilievre on Bill C-21
TL;DR
Pierre Poilievre strongly opposes Bill C-21 and has pledged that his government will repeal the legislation.
Key Points
Pierre Poilievre has publicly pledged to repeal Bill C-21 and Bill C-71 if elected to government.
He characterized the bill's measures, such as the handgun freeze, as an expensive "gun grab" that seizes property from lawful owners.
His opposition focuses on the view that the legislation targets legal owners, such as those in rural communities, rather than criminals.
Summary
Pierre Poilievre takes a firm position of opposition against Bill C-21, which he has described as a "gun grab" that unfairly targets legal firearm owners, including hunters and farmers. He has explicitly stated his commitment to repealing both Bill C-21 and its predecessor, Bill C-71, should his party form the government. The Conservative leader argues that these measures penalize law-abiding citizens rather than focusing on criminals who drive gun violence, often framing the legislation as an attack on rural communities and property rights.
This stance has been consistently communicated across social media platforms and public statements, particularly in response to the implementation of measures like the national handgun freeze, which he views as confiscatory. He frequently contrasts his position with that of the governing party, emphasizing that his focus for reducing crime would be on enforcing existing laws against repeat offenders rather than expanding bans on legally owned property. His pledge is to end what he terms the "government's gun grab."
Key Quotes
"Criminals are able to get handguns everywhere they go," Poilievre said. "The problem is illegal guns coming from the United States of America."
"I voted against these laws. I will repeal these laws,"
...accusing Trudeau of going after “Grandpa Joe's hunting rifle.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Pierre Poilievre is strongly opposed to Bill C-21 and its associated measures, such as the national handgun freeze. He argues that the legislation unfairly targets law-abiding firearm owners instead of focusing on actual criminals.
Yes, the Conservative leader has made a clear pledge to repeal Bill C-21 if his party wins a federal election. He has also committed to repealing the preceding legislation, Bill C-71.
Pierre Poilievre positioned Bill C-21 as penalizing legal firearm owners, specifically including those in family farms and rural communities. He views the restrictions as an unwarranted confiscation of legally obtained property.
Sources6
Poilievre promises to repeal handgun freeze, Bill C-21 if elected
Poilievre on Bill C-21 and Bill C-71: I will repeal these laws
ICYMI: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pledges to end the Liberals’ gun confiscation.
Where the parties stand on gun control in the Canadian federal election
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.